About the Study
This study explores the oral health experiences, needs, and priorities of people with lived experience of sex work in Liverpool. The research was developed collaboratively by a multidisciplinary team from the University of Liverpool, Liverpool University Dental Hospital, and community support organisations working alongside people involved in sex work. The study brings together expertise from dentistry, public health, criminology, social justice, and lived experience-informed support services.
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Our aim is to better understand how oral health is shaped by wider social experiences including stigma, housing instability, addiction, trauma, violence, poverty, and barriers to healthcare access.
Why this research matters
International research has shown that sex workers often experience significant inequalities in both oral and general health. These may include:
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Higher levels of untreated dental decay
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Missing or damaged teeth
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Dental pain and infection
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Difficulties accessing dental care
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Experiences of stigma and discrimination
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Increased risk of oral trauma and injury
Despite this, very little research has explored these issues within the UK context.
This study seeks to address that gap by listening directly to people with lived experience and creating space for their perspectives, priorities, and recommendations to shape future research and service development.
What the study explores
The study focuses on several key questions:
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What are the oral health experiences of sex workers in Liverpool?
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What barriers exist when accessing dental care and support?
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How do stigma, trauma, addiction, and instability affect oral health and wellbeing?
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What kinds of dental services and support feel safe, respectful, and accessible?
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What changes could improve oral healthcare experiences and outcomes?
The research also explores how oral health affects confidence, identity, relationships, communication, and everyday life.
The Team
Please do get in touch with us if you would like to discuss the project in more detail.
Janine Yazdi Doughty
Amy RawesthorneÂ
Anamitra BhowmickÂ
Stef Ryder-WalkerÂ
Posey Jolly
Heni Nagy
Julie SmedleyÂ
Jude McMaster
Isolde Godfrey (Woven Ink)Â
Ella Flewitt (Blueprint Arts)
We have worked with a number of collaborative partners from:Â
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School of Dentistry, University of Liverpool, LiverpoolÂ
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Liverpool University Dental Hospital, Liverpool
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School of Law and Social Justice, University of Liverpool, Liverpool
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Woven Ink, London
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Pearl’s Project, Liverpool
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Change Grow Live, LiverpoolÂ